Computer system for routing package deliveries

ABSTRACT

A shipping system for shipping packages involving the coordinated use of at least a first carrier and a second carrier. The shipping system includes physical delivery facilities for the physical delivery of packages, the physical delivery facilities including at least one transfer location at which the second carrier may take over delivery responsibilities for a package. The shipping system also includes an information system having a shipper computer system configured to record and determine whether the delivery address of a package is an efficient destination for the first carrier. If not an efficient destination, such as a delivery address having a rural zip code, the shipper computer system is configured to label the package for delivery to one of the transfer locations, allowing the first carrier to transfer the selected package to the second carrier for completion of the less efficient portion of the delivery.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional application of U.S. application Ser.No. 10/807,679, filed Mar. 24, 2004 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,739,202, whichclaim priority to U.S. Application No. 60/464,529, filed Apr. 22, 2003,both which are hereby incorporated herein in their entirety byreference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention is related to systems for coordinating the effortsof multiple carriers to ship packages, and in particular relates toelectronic systems for coordinating such shipments using tracking,billing and other information.

2. Description of Related Art

As the amount of commerce conducted by mail increases yearly,significant efforts have been made to reduce the cost of shipping mail,such as letters and packages. In one instance, the U.S. Postal Service(USPS) offers a substantial reduction in rates to a shipper, providedthat the shipper complies with certain requirements that allow the USPSto reduce its workload. Generally, delivery of mail entirely by the USPSrequires collection, sorting and then distribution of each of the mailpieces. Reducing the workload of the USPS can therefore be aided bypreprocessing of the mail pieces. For bulk mail, the USPS will acceptdelivery from a shipper along with certified documentation of thepreprocessing results, such as by pre-sorting the mail pieces.Certification is via a manifest that is provided to the USPS and isrepresentative of a group of the preprocessed documents.

Preprocessing for other mail services, and in particular non-bulk mailservices wherein the mail pieces are not homogenous, requires moresophisticated forms of communication with the USPS. For instance, thepreprocessing facilities may include computerized scales for determiningthe weight of each mail piece, metering devices for determining thepostage amounts corresponding to the mail piece weights and markingdevices for placing certification stamps on the mail piece. Each ofthese devices can be connected to the USPS via a telephone link thatallows the USPS to interrogate the devices.

Interrogation allows the USPS systems to periodically determine thestatus of the equipment, including maintenance and usage rates. Suchinquires allow the USPS to ensure that the equipment is giving anaccurate accounting of the mail that is weighed, metered, marked andsubmitted to its facilities for further delivery. The telephone link mayalso allow the preprocessor to check on the progress of a particularpiece of mail using an electronic inquiry of the USPS system. Typically,the progress check involves the use of bar coding, or some other uniqueidentifying characteristic, placed on the mail piece by the markingdevices. The bar coding can then be tracked by the USPS system at theconclusion of delivery of the mail piece by scanning the barcode on themail piece and recording its delivery in a database.

A disadvantage of the above-described system is that the equipment andscale required for preprocessing of the mail pieces are too expensivefor some shippers, especially when shipping to residential addresses. Asa solution to this problem, intermediary entities have establishedcooperative relationships with the USPS to provide discounted shippingservices.

Generally, the services provided by the intermediary include weighing ofthe mail pieces (packages) submitted by the shipper, labeling of thepackages, sorting of the packages and submitting sorted groups of thepackages to the appropriate local USPS facility. The USPS then makes thefinal delivery to the recipient addresses. In this manner, theintermediary can efficiently deal with the front end processes andreceive the USPS discount (which is typically partially passed on to thecustomer) and ensure delivery without the expense of a largeinfrastructure for comprehensive delivery coverage including rural andresidential delivery. Although the above-illustrated combined systemadvantageously provides cost-savings for shippers unwilling or unable toinvest in preprocessing facilities, efforts at reducing the cost ofshipping are continually ongoing.

Therefore, it would be advantageous to have an improved, cost-effectivesystem for delivering packages and other mail to all known addresses. Itwould be further advantageous if such a system were a combined systemthat facilitates cooperation between multiples carriers (such as betweena private carrier and the USPS) to take advantages of the strengths ofeach of the carriers.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention addresses the above needs and achieves otheradvantages by providing a shipping system for shipping packagesinvolving the coordinated use of at least a first carrier and a secondcarrier. The shipping system includes physical delivery facilities forthe physical delivery of packages, the physical delivery facilitiesincluding at least one transfer location at which the second carrier maytake over delivery responsibilities for a package. The shipping systemalso includes an information system having a shipper computer systemconfigured to record and determine whether the delivery address of apackage is an efficient destination for the first carrier. If not anefficient destination, such as a delivery address having a rural zipcode, the shipper computer system is configured to label the package fordelivery to one of the transfer locations, allowing the first carrier totransfer the selected package to the second carrier for completion ofthe less efficient portion of the delivery.

An aspect of the present invention is a system and method for decidingwhether to offer combined carrier delivery service based on adetermination of the cost to one carrier of making a delivery withoutassistance from another carrier. A basic criterion affecting cost maypreferably be the recipient's geographical location, but can be anyother type of criterion that affects the cost of delivery. Furthermore,secondary criteria for determining whether to offer a combined serviceto a geographical region (such as a zip code area) may vary according toa characteristic of the shipper, the nature of the product or item beingshipped, the season of the year, and other factors.

Optionally, the information system may also include a first carriercomputer system configured to obtain package information from theshipper computer system and correlating the package information withtracking information recorded upon delivery of the packages to thetransfer location. Correlation of the information allows the firstcarrier computer system to generate a manifest that can be audited bythe second carrier, allowing the second carrier to efficiently andconfidently bill the first carrier for delivery of the packages to theselected destinations. As another advantage, the second carrier may bebound to delivery rules of the first carrier so delivery performance istransparent to the package recipient.

Broadly stated, a combined carrier shipping system for shipping aplurality of packages of one embodiment of the present inventionincludes a first and second carrier physical delivery systems and ashipment ordering system. Each of the first and second carrier physicaldelivery systems is configured to deliver one of the packages to aconsignee location. The shipment ordering system is connected incommunication with the first carrier physical delivery system. Theshipment ordering system is configured to record a request to ship thepackage and package information associated with the package. Included inthe package information is a consignee location to which the package isto be delivered. Also, the shipment ordering system is configured todetermine whether the consignee location meets a stored condition forsingle carrier delivery by the first carrier physical delivery system.In response to the single carrier condition being met, the shipmentordering system is configured to initiate delivery by the first carrierdelivery system from a starting location to the consignee location.Alternatively, in response to the single carrier condition not beingmet, the shipment ordering system is configured to initiate delivery ofthe package by the first carrier delivery system from the startinglocation to an intermediate location for further delivery by the secondcarrier physical delivery system to the consignee location.

A combined carrier shipping information system of another embodiment ofthe present invention includes a shipper computer system. The shippercomputer system includes program logic configured to record packageinformation entered by a shipper, including a delivery address, andadditional logic configured to determine whether the delivery address isan efficient location for delivery by the first carrier. For instance, apostal code of the delivery address can be compared to a database ofrural and urban postal codes, wherein the second carrier hasinfrastructure in the rural area for efficient delivery. Additionallogic of the shipper computer is configured to instruct the firstcarrier to route packages destined for less efficient deliveryaddresses, such as the rural address, to a transfer point at which thesecond carrier is willing to take over shipping. Advantageously from thepoint of view of the first carrier, the shipper computer system avoidssituations in which the first carrier will incur non-recoupable costsfor delivery, while at the same time ensures that profitable deliveriesare completed by the first carrier.

The shipper computer system may also be configured to correlate the lessefficient address with the transfer location from which the secondcarrier is willing to deliver the package to the less efficient address.The transfer location could be, for instance, the rural post office ordestination delivery unit of the USPS that delivers to the rural zipcode of the destination address.

In another aspect, the shipper computer system may be configured togenerate a label for delivery to the less efficient delivery address.Indicia on the label preferably include the transfer location address,tracking numbers for both the first and second carriers, and thedestination address. The indicia preferably are machine readable encodedinformation in the form of bar codes, dense or two dimensional codes,RFID tags or labels, or any other addressable tag, label, or indicia.Such a label facilitates delivery of the package by the first carrier tothe transfer location and transfer of the package to the second carrierfor final delivery to the destination address as also marked on thelabel for use by the second carrier. The label may also include symboliccodes representing the package information, tracking numbers, etc. topromote easy electronic recording of the information. Notably, the labelitself may also be an embodiment of the present invention separate fromthe information system.

A combined shipping information system of another embodiment of thepresent invention comprises a first carrier computer system. The firstcarrier computer system includes a package information system, atracking system and a verification system. The package informationsystem is connected in communication with the above-described shipperinformation system and is configured to receive package information,including the recipient address, transfer location address, and bothcarrier tracking numbers, from the shipper information system. Packageinformation may include, for instance, shipper number, weight, consigneeaddress (e.g., location), direct delivery unit address, date, andtracking numbers.

In communication with the tracking system by any suitable method is atracking input device (e.g., a barcode scanning device) positioned atthe transfer location, wherein the tracking system is configured toreceive scanned package tracking numbers from the scanning deviceindicating that packages have reached the transfer location. Theverification system is in communication with the package information andtracking systems and is configured to obtain the package information andtracking information therefrom. Further, the verification system isconfigured to construct a manifest by correlating the packageinformation with the packages received at the transfer location usingone of the tracking numbers. Advantageously, the manifest is deliverableto the second carrier for audit and billing of the first carrier,allowing the first carrier to obtain discounted shipping to therecipient address by the second carrier.

The first carrier computer system may also be further connected incommunication with a second carrier tracking system configured toconfirm delivery of the package by the second carrier. In such a case,the verification system is configured to add the delivery confirmationto the manifest by correlating the second carrier tracking number of thepackage information and the tracking number recorded at confirmation.Advantageously, the verification system unites the disparate informationfrom the package information and tracking systems thereby facilitatingfuture business decisions as well as immediate billing concerns.

A system according to the invention may provide tracking informationaccess to the shipper, the recipient, the two carriers, and otherauthorized entities. For example, a shipping label as prepared by theshipper may contain scannable tracking numbers for both carriers. Bothsuch tracking numbers can be associated with the package in a trackingdatabase. The first carrier operates a known tracking information systemwhich uploads tracking information to the database upon each scan of thepackage label as the package travels through the first carrier'sdelivery network, as well as upon delivery of the package to the secondcarrier. The second carrier scans the package at least upon delivery tothe recipient, and uploads the information to its computer system, fromwhich the information can be transferred to the first carrier's trackingdatabase. The shipper, the recipient, the two carriers, and otherauthorized entities thus may access the first carrier's trackingdatabase to obtain consolidated tracking information about the packageoriginating from both carriers who handle the package. The trackingdatabase can be maintained by either carrier, or even by a third party.Consolidated tracking information from the consolidated system may alsobe sent without request (“pushed”) to any of these parties.

In another aspect, the package information system may be configured tosort package information of packages based on the transfer location toconstruct a preliminary manifest for submission to the transferlocation. At the transfer location, the second carrier personnel canadvantageously use the manifest to confirm receipt of all of thepackages destined for the transfer location prior to final delivery bythe second carrier. Preferably, the preliminary manifest is anelectronic manifest corresponding to standards set by the second carrierand is electronically delivered to a unique electronic mail address ofthe transfer location. As another option, a second carrier computersystem may request electronic delivery of the manifest from thepersonnel at the transfer location for further auditing before billingof the first carrier.

As another alternative, the first and second carrier computer systemsmay be electronically accessible to the shipper computer system, or arecipient computer system, to allow access to tracking, billing andother information.

In still another aspect, the scanning device may be used to provideinformation directly to a computer at the destination delivery unit foraudit by the second carrier. For instance, wireless communication isestablished between a personal data assistant and the scanning device.The connection allows the personal data assistant to upload informationon packages delivered to, and scanned by the scanning device at, thedestination delivery unit. The personal data assistant is furtherconnected in communication with a portion of the second carrier computersystem and a printer. Thus, the personal data assistant can relay thescanned information to the printer for printing out a list of thedelivered packages, or to the second carrier computer system for auditprocedures.

The combined carrier shipping system of the present invention may alsoinclude a billing system. A first carrier portion of the billing systemis configured to calculate the shipping charges of various carriersparticipating in the system. The first carrier billing system isconnected in communication with the package information system allowingit to obtain such information as the shipper and recipient location, aswell as the type of shipping service provided (e.g., conventional orcombined). The package information is used to calculate a sum total ofall charges from each carrier for payment by the shipper. Additionalinformation for the first carrier billing system billing calculationsmay also be obtained from a connection to the tracking system.Information from the system can then be used to control the amount ofbilling based on the path of a package. The first carrier billing systemcan also include a single bill generator that is configured to compilethe billing charges, adding other surcharges and generating an invoicefor submission to the shipper.

A second carrier portion of the billing system is connected incommunication with the verification system and receives a shippingmanifest of the deliveries received during a day from the first carrier.Also connected in communication with the second carrier billing systemis an escrow account from which the second carrier can draw funds forthe shipments recorded on the manifest. The first carrier billing systemis also connected in communication with the escrow account and isconfigured to deposit funds received from the shipper in payment for theinvoices in the escrow account. Preferably, all of the communications ofthe invoices, tracking information and transfers of funds occurelectronically to improve the efficiency of the shipping system.

A quality control system of the present invention may cooperate with thebilling system to ensure accurate billing. A first quality controlprocess is implemented by confirming receipt of all package informationfrom the customer computer. Each day, a list of the shipments reportedby the shipper computer system is compiled and sent to the shipper forcomparison to the shipper's records of package information sent to thepackage information repository system. Missing package information canthen be resent by the shipper.

Another quality control process includes comparing invoices calculatedby the first carrier billing statements with delivery confirmations ofthe same packages. Delivery confirmations are obtained from the trackingsystem of the first carrier, in the case of conventional deliveryentirely by the first carrier, or from the second carrier system in thecase of combined carrier delivery. Discrepancies are communicated to thefirst carrier billing system for adjustment of the invoice.

A further quality control process includes periodic weight and sizechecks conducted at an operating center of the first carrier. Suchweight and size checks may be conducted automatically on a daily basisand compared to the measurements on the same packages recorded from theshipper by the package information system. Discrepancies are reported tothe first carrier billing system for adjustment of the invoice.Preferably, comparisons in each of the quality control processes aredone electronically.

The shipping system of the present invention may also include aspectsfor facilitating return of packages to the shipper when delivery doesnot occur. Preferably, the carriers operate under a set of rules forattempted delivery to the recipient. For instance, only a single attemptto deliver a particular package will be allowed. If the recipient is notpresent to sign for the package, then the first or second carrier willreturn the package to a holding location, such as an operating center.The package will be held for pickup at the operating center by therecipient for a predetermined time, such as five days. Once thepredetermined time has elapsed, the package is returned to the shipper.

At the shipper location, return of the package to the shipper isrecorded using a scanning device. The information from the scanningdevice is recorded by the tracking system of the first carrier computersystem and is accessible by the verification system for matching withthe package information from the package information system using thetracking number. The return information is accessed by the billingsystem and a billing adjustment is made for the undelivered packagedescribed with the package information. In one aspect, the adjustment isan additional charge (typically equal to the outbound delivery charge)for the return of the package.

One of the advantages of the present system includes the use ofelectronic transmission of the tracking, billing and other informationon delivery of the packages to facilitate combined delivery by multipleshipping services. As a result, the combined shipping system canautomatically coordinate information flow, package delivery flow andfunds flow amongst multiple carriers in a way that is efficient andreliable. Another advantage is the cost-savings realized by the shippercomputer system, which identifies the most efficient packages fordelivery by the shipping services with differing capabilities.

Compilation of manifests by the first carrier computer system instillssufficient confidence in accurate billing in the second carrier that itallows participation in reduced rate delivery services. Auditing by thesecond carrier is further facilitated by coordinating packageinformation with tracking information of both carriers. Quality controlchecks further confirm that the shipper is correctly entering packageinformation, and when coordinated with audits by the second carrier,results in multiple, closed-loop confirmations of the accuracy ofbilling. In addition, the return system tracks returns and suppliesinformation on returns to the billing system for refunding of billingcharges paid on returned packages. As a result, each of the parties havesufficient confidence in the accuracy of billing and delivery tasks tobe willing to share resources and lower the overall cost of shipping.Other advantages are realized by the present invention, not all of whichare explicitly listed hereinabove, will be apparent from the detaileddescription and the appendices.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

Having thus described the invention in general terms, reference will nowbe made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn toscale, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic of one embodiment of a combined carrier shippingsystem of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic of the physical delivery facilities of thecombined shipping system shown in FIG. 1 according to one embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 3 is a label containing indicia to facilitate transfer of deliveryfrom a first to a second carrier and also from the second carrier to arecipient, said label being another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a schematic of another embodiment of a combined carriershipping system of the present invention including the creation ofelectronic manifests;

FIG. 5 is a schematic of another embodiment of a combined carriershipping system of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a first carrier computer system of yetanother embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a schematic of a flow of tracking information in a shippingsystem according to the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a schematic of a flow of preprocessing of a package by ashipper of shipping system illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a schematic of another embodiment of a combined carriershipping system of the present invention including an electronic mailconfirmation of delivery sent to a recipient;

FIG. 10 is a schematic of a billing system of another embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 11 is a schematic of a quality control system of another embodimentof the present invention; and

FIG. 12 is a schematic of a returns system of another embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 13 is a label containing indicia to facilitate transfer of deliveryby a primary and a secondary carrier to a recipient, said label beingyet another embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not allembodiments of the invention are shown. Indeed, this invention may beembodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limitedto the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments areprovided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legalrequirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

A system 10 for combining the shipping services of multiple carriers(“the shipping system”) of one embodiment of the present invention isshown in FIG. 1. The shipping system ships packages (used herein torefer to any item being delivered, for example, parcels or mail), from ashipper 11 to a consignee or recipient 12. The shipping system 10 has avariety of physical facilities for facilitating delivery of packages(movement of which is indicated by the solid lines), including linehaulers 13, a sorting hub 14, a preload facility 15 and carrier deliveryfacilities (vehicles, personnel, etc.) 16, each of which are preferablyoperated by a first carrier, as shown in FIG. 2. A second carrier (e.g.,the USPS), operates its own destination delivery unit 17 and carrierdelivery facilities 18, which in the case of the USPS are local postoffices and mail delivery personnel, vehicles, etc. The conventionaloperation of such USPS systems is well known.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the shipping system 10 also includes avariety of communications systems that are preferably electronic innature. The communication systems include a shipper computer system 20connected electronically via a network 21 to a first carrier computersystem 22 and a second carrier computer system 23. The first and secondcarrier computer systems 22, 23 are also connected via a network 24.Generally, the communication systems allow the efforts of the physicalfacilities of the two carriers and the shipper 11 to be coordinated forefficient delivery of (and billing for delivery of) the packages.

Information (movement of which is indicated by the dashed lines)conveyed through the communication systems includes package information,e.g., package level details (PLD) such as an origin, destination andweight of each of the packages, which facilitates sorting and deliveryof the packages and billing for the delivery services. In addition, thecommunication systems collect, record, and report tracking informationto the carriers, the shipper 11, the recipient 12 and any otherinterested parties.

The shipper 11 can be a retail shipping outlet, a business shipping ahigh volume of packages, or any other person or entity wishing to shippackages using the present system 10. In one aspect, the shipper 11 mayagree to perform limited pre-processing activities in the present system10, such as those described below which are facilitated by use of thecomputer system 20, in communication with the first carrier computersystem 22.

The shipper's computer system 20 has software distributed by the firstcarrier making it configured to record the PLD information necessary tosort, meter and ship each of the packages. In one example, the computersystem 20 of the shipper 11 is connectable over the network 21 to a webserver (not shown) of the first carrier computer system 22. The webserver of the first carrier computer system is configured to send dataacross the network to display web pages on the shipper computer system20. Alternatively, the shipper 11 could be directly equipped withsoftware downloaded from the first carrier computer system 22, or senton media by the first carrier for installation on the shipper computersystem 20.

Regardless of the source of the software, the computer system 20preferably includes software logic for processing all types of parcelsaccording to zip code, weight and tracking number. In addition, theshipper computer system may also include rate information that can beupdated periodically by the carrier computer systems 22, 23 via thenetworks 21, 24, or by other data input or transfer. Further, theshipper computer system 20 may include a database of zip codes separatedinto groups or indexed by population density, which preferablydistinguishes urban and rural destinations. Other software logic may beconfigured to obtain, or generate, tracking numbers for the packages forboth carriers.

Using the software logic, the shipper computer system 20 is configuredto prompt and record entry of the PLD shipping information by theshipper 11, such as through the presentation of a graphical-userinterface with fields for entry of the PLD information. To facilitateaccurate recording of package weights, the computer system 20 mayinclude a scale 26. In addition to the scale 26, the shipper's computersystem 20 may also include a label printing device 27 or other type ofprinter. Once the PLD information has been entered or recorded, thelogic of the computer system 20 is configured to use the database of zipcodes to match the package zip code with a classification of thepackage's destination address, which in the illustrated embodiment ofFIG. 1 includes the rural or urban classification. In addition toclassifying the destination address, the shipper computer system 20 mayalso have logic and data for determining the destination delivery unit17 of the second carrier, which corresponds to the recipient's address,if necessary.

The software logic enables the shipper computer system 20 to alert theshipper as to whether the destination address of the recipient 12 isrural or urban and to generate the appropriate label 25 according to theclassification. An appropriate label 25 is shown in FIG. 3. Preferably,the urban-bound packages receive a standard first carrier label and aregenerally handled like a regular package delivered by the first carrier.

Alternatively, for the rural packages (or packages in areas wheredelivery is not cost-effective for the first carrier due to a lack offacilities, roads, etc.) the shipper may be offered a combined carrierdelivery level of service. If the shipper selects this option, theshipper system 20 generates a combination label 25 as shown in FIG. 3.In one embodiment, the combination label 25 includes a second carrieraddress field 28 that indicates the destination delivery unit 17 towhich the first carrier is to deliver the package, as shown in FIG. 3.Above the second carrier address field 28 is a return address field ofthe shipper 11 and a package weight field, which in the illustratedlabel 25 is 3 pounds.

Beneath the second carrier delivery address field 28 is a first carrieralphanumeric internal routing code 29 determining the first carriersorting hub 14 (in FIG. 3 the sorting hub is FL 335 and 0-04 indicatesthe conveyor belt within the sorting hub) to which the line haulers 13are to deliver the package. Next to the internal routing code 29 is aMaxicode symbol 30 (a machine readable two-dimensional or dense code)and below the alphanumeric routing code 29 is a barcode symbol 31. TheMaxicode symbol 30 contains most or all of the information shown on thelabel 25 and at least a portion of the PLD information for the package.The bar code 31 duplicates the information contained in the alphanumericrouting code 29, allowing the routing information to be determined usingseveral types of scanning devices.

Beneath the codes 29-31 is a service name field 32 and a service icon 33indicating the level or type of shipping service, which in theillustrated label is light-weight package (LWP) ground shipping with theicon “L”. Beneath the service name field 32 is a first carrier trackingnumber (in the illustrated label “1Z 510 20T OL 9501 9216”) field 34.Beneath the tracking number field is a tracking number barcode 35 thatsymbolically represents the tracking number and allows automatedscanning of the tracking number.

In a bottom section of the label 25 is a recipient address 36 to whicheither the first, or second, carrier is to deliver the package,depending upon the aforementioned criteria. Also at the bottom of thelabel 25 is a second carrier delivery confirmation barcode 37 that willbe scanned by at least the second carrier, and preferably both carriers.The bar code 37 contains a second carrier tracking number, and a permitnumber or sender identification number indicating a source of postage tobe paid by the first carrier.

Alternatively, the barcode 37 could also be an alphanumeric code, orother symbol, that is unique to the package. It should be noted that inthe illustrated embodiment of the label 25 the first and second carriertracking numbers are included on the label which allows the two numbersto be associated with each other in a database in at least the firstcarrier computer system 22. The presence of both tracking numbers on thelabel and stored in a common system facilitates communication betweenthe two carrier computer systems 22, 23, as well as providingconsolidated tracking information to authorized persons. Parcel selectindicia 38, which is adjacent to the recipient address 36, indicatesthat the first carrier will pay the postage for delivery by the secondcarrier (USPS).

An exemplary flowchart of the duties of the shipper 11 and shippercomputer system 20 is illustrated in FIG. 8. PLD information is enteredinto the shipper computer system 20 and the destination addressvalidated in a step 200, such as by verifying that the zip code is foundin the state. The PLD information is coordinated with an ordermanagement system in step 201 and a warehouse management step 202wherein the order is processed and the contents of the package arelocated. In a “pick, pack and weigh” step 203 the contents are selected,packed (such as in a conventional shipping container) and weighed by thescale 26. In a residential versus commercial classification step 204,the computer system 20 determines whether the delivery is to be to aresidential or commercial location, such as by a comparison of thedestination address to known commercial or residential addresses, by theamount of packages in the order or by an actual indication of therecipient 12 when placing the order.

If the package is a commercial order, or is above a maximum weight(e.g., 5 pounds) as determined by a step 205, the label printing device27 prints a conventional delivery label in a step 209. In a step 206,the shipper computer system 20 consults a zip code database or table 207having postal or zip codes in two groups, rural and urban. One of therural or urban codes in the table 207 is matched to the postal code ofthe delivery address contained in the PLD information in a step 208. Ifthe destination is an urban destination, a conventional label indicatinglightweight package delivery solely by the first carrier is generatedand printed in a step 210 by the computer system 20. Alternatively, ifthe destination is a rural destination, the combined carrier label 25illustrated in FIG. 3 is generated and printed in a step 211 by theshipper computer system 20.

Advantageously, by using the delivery system 10 the first carrier avoidsdelivering packages to rural areas where it is less efficient,justifying shipping at a discounted rate. However, alternative oradditional classifications (conditions) may be used that are not limitedto population density. For instance, other classifications may describevarying capabilities of the physical delivery facilities of the firstcarrier, such as the proximity to a sorting hub, an airport or adestination zip code in the middle of a complete road network. In otherwords, the classifications could distinguish areas to which the firstcarrier can deliver packages more easily and with lower cost from otherareas. In addition, the present invention may be extended to three ormore carriers, each having their own area of efficiency, either withinthe delivery process, or geographically. The term “efficiency” as usedherein not only indicates the cost of a service, but can also refer tothe amount of time required to implement the service. It could alsoinclude some other measure of effort required to perform the service orconsequences of performing the service.

Referring to FIG. 4, PLD data, including the data corresponding to thaton the label 25, is accessible by the shipper computer system 20 overthe network 21. The first carrier computer system 25 includes a PLDrepository system 39 and a tracking repository system 40. The systems,39 and 40, may be integrated with the remainder of the first carriercomputer system 22, such as the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, or maybe distinct systems interconnected via a network, as shown in FIG. 4.The PLD repository system 39 is configured to obtain the PLD informationfrom the first carrier system 22 and storing the PLD information forfurther use by the shipping system 10. Additional logic may also resideon the PLD system 39 that allows the generation of preliminary reports,or manifests, which are sent to the second carrier to prepare it forincoming packages from the first carrier.

The tracking system 40 has program logic and storage configured toobtain tracking information from the package as it travels throughvarious points along the physical delivery path. For instance, thetracking repository system may be connected in communication over acellular telephone network 41 to a code scanning unit such as a sortinghub scanner or a delivery information acquisition device (DIAD) 42, asshown in FIG. 1. In particular, the DIAD device is portable and iscarried by the delivery driver delivering the package to the destinationdelivery unit (DDU) 17 of the second carrier which is preferably nearestthe to the recipient or consignee 12, or other intermediate physicalpickup or delivery location along the path of package travel. The DIADdevice includes a bar code scanner for reading the tracking numberbarcode 35 on the label 25, and a signature capture pad.

Captured symbol and signature information is stored temporarily in theunit, and then transferred via an optical link to a docking stationlocated in the delivery vehicle. From this station, the information istransmitted to the tracking system 40 via the cellular telephone network41. Other systems use radio frequency (RF) networks to relay trackinginformation to a central computer directly from the scanning unit.Scanning and barcode reading operations are described in more detail incommonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 5,770,841 entitled System and Method forReading Package Information, which is incorporated herein by reference.

The first carrier computer system 22 also includes a verification andmanifest generating system 43, as shown in FIG. 4. As will be describedin more detail below, a final manifest allows the shipping system 10 to“close the loop,” which is advantageous because the second carrierreceives the packages at the destination delivery unit 17 and completesdelivery of those packages without an up-front collection of the PLDinformation necessary for billing. Subsequent to delivering the packageto the recipient, the second carrier obtains the final manifest from thefirst carrier (preferably electronically), which allows billing of thefirst carrier by the second carrier. As described below, the system 43also can generate a preliminary manifest for submittal to the secondcarrier's transfer location 17 (such as a DDU) via automaticallygenerated electronic mail.

The verification system 43 is connected in communication with the PLDand tracking systems 39, 40 and is configured to obtain PLD data andtracking data, respectively, from those systems. The verification systemincludes software logic configured to identify all of the packagesinbound to a particular location, such as the sorting hub 14, localpre-load facility 15, the recipient location 12, or the USPS destinationdelivery unit 17. The verification system is also configured to generatea drop shipment verification and clearance manifest, preferably an e8125which is an electronic version of the 8125 form required by the USPS forany large-quantity drop shipment delivered to a destination deliveryunit 17. In the embodiment of FIG. 4, a portion of the verificationsystem 43 logic resides on the PLD system 39 and allows the secondcarrier to access a preliminary manifest of packages inbound to aparticular location.

Communication within the first carrier computer system 22, i.e., betweenthe PLD system 39, the tracking repository system 40 and theverification system 43 (and possibly the other systems) preferablyoccurs by electronic data interchange (EDI) which is a well-known set ofstandards and technologies designed to automate the sending andreceiving of routine business documents. Communication between thesecond carrier computer system 23 and the first carrier computer system22 is also preferably electronic. For instance, the second carriersystem 23 may include software allowing connection to, and viewing ofsummary manifests on, the PLD system 39, as shown in FIG. 4. The e8125manifest can also be sent electronically to the second carrier computersystem 23, such as via EDI, and to the destination delivery unit 17 ofthe second carrier, such as via electronic mail. In yet anotheralternative, communication with the destination delivery unit 17 may beby facsimile, as shown in FIG. 5.

Additional details on communication and handling between shippingfacilities and information systems can be obtained from commonlyassigned U.S. Pat. No. 6,539,360 entitled Special Handling Processing ina Package Transportation System which is incorporated herein byreference; and International Patent Publication WO 03019333 A2 (6 Mar.2003), entitled International Cash-On-Delivery System and Method whichis also incorporated herein by reference. Further details aboutcommunication between a central server and a tracking and PLD systemsare disclosed in commonly-owned U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/176,467 entitled Systems and Methods for Providing BusinessIntelligence Based on Shipping Information, filed Jun. 21, 2002 which isalso incorporated herein by reference.

It should be noted that electronic communication as described herein maybe accomplished over various types of networks and with various amountsof manual and automated efforts. As in the example above of a facsimiletransmission, personnel at the delivery unit 17 may comply with an auditrequest from the second carrier computer system 23 by generating a papermanifest, inserting the manifest into a facsimile machine, dialing anumber, etc. It should be also noted that the term “network” as usedherein should be construed broadly to include all types ofelectronically assisted communication such as wireless networks, localarea networks, public networks such as the Internet, public telephonenetworks, or various combinations of different networks.

The second carrier computer system 23 preferably is a pre-existingsystem configured to receive and process the electronic manifests, andof confirming delivery of the packages under its control. In particular,the second carrier computer system 23 receives tracking informationthrough a scan of the second carrier confirmation barcode 37 on thelabel 25 at the time of delivery, as illustrated by FIG. 4. In theembodiments illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, the second carrier computersystem 23 is further configured to electronically communicate theconfirmation information directly to the verification system 43 uponreceipt.

During operation of the present shipping system 10, the shipper weighsthe packages to be shipped and segregates the packages into those forwhich use of the combined carrier service is desired, and those forwhich normal first carrier delivery service is desired. The combinedcarrier service may require, for example, low priority, low weight(e.g., less than five pounds) packages desired to be shipped at adiscount. The shipper 11 then enters PLD for all the packages for thevarious service levels into its computer system 20. The PLD includes therecipient address which includes the zip code the computer system 20uses to determine whether the delivery is to a zone eligible forcombined carrier delivery, such as a rural area

For an urban delivery, combined delivery service generally is notoffered. A standard shipping label is generated and affixed to thepackage and the package is entered into the standard delivery process.When combined carrier delivery service is requested and available, thespecialized label 25 is generated, including both transfer and recipientdelivery addresses, and the first and second carrier tracking numbers.The PLD information is then communicated over the network 21 to the PLDrepository system 39 of the first carrier.

Once the packages have been pre-processed by the shipper, the linehaulers 13 pick up the packages from the shipper (or other startinglocation) and deliver them to the sorting hub 14 of the first carrier.All levels of service are commingled for this portion of the deliverypath. At pick up from the shipper, the packages may be scanned by a DIADso that tracking information is transmitted to the tracking system 40,or tracking information for the list of packages may be downloaded intoa DIAD from the shipper computer system 20. Notably, trackinginformation can be reported by DIADs or other scanning units to thetracking system at several points along the physical delivery path bythe first carrier, in a known manner not explained in detail here. Atthe hub 14, the packages are sorted for delivery in a conventionalmanner, but with a possible delay imposed due to the low priority of thepackages. Generally, the sorted loads of combined carrier servicepackages are processed only when there is available capacity at the hub14. From the hub 14, the first carrier ships the packages to its preloadfacilities 15.

Notably, the first carrier does not reweigh the packages weighed by theshipper 11 and the second carrier also agrees to accept theshipper-provided weight. If necessary, periodic audits of the shipperinformation are conducted to ensure accuracy. As another measure toensure correct billing, the second carrier computer system 23 (and inparticular the PLD repository system 39) will not accept submission of ashipping request without both the PLD and first carrier tracking code toensure that all shipments are properly manifested and billed.

At the preload facilities 15, further sorting segregates according tozip code those packages to be delivered by standard first carrierservice from those packages to be delivered by combined carrier service,typically bound for rural (or super-rural) zip codes. The packages boundfor other (typically urban) destinations are delivered by the firstcarrier in a conventional manner.

The combined carrier delivery packages are delivered directly to thesecond carrier destination delivery unit 17 by the first carrier. Uponarrival of the packages at the destination delivery unit, the firstcarrier driver scans each of the packages in accordance with normal bulkstop practice, then has personnel of the second carrier verify thepackage count and sign the DIAD 42 for the packages. The DIAD transmitsthe information on the packages delivered to the DDU 17 back to thetracking system 40. The first carrier driver also submits form 8125 dataon the packages to the DDU.

As an alternative to the physical 8125 manifest, the DIAD scan may beused to provide package information directly to the DDU 17. Preferably,the DIAD 42 has the capacity to uplink to a personal digital assistant(PDA) which in turn is in communication with a DDU portion of the secondcarrier computer system 23. Such communications are preferably wireless,such as through the use of radio frequency signals, an optical interfaceor infrared signals. In another aspect, the PDA may be in directcommunication with a printer at the DDU (not shown) allowing printing ofthe DIAD scan, or the DIAD itself may be able to directly communicatewith the computer system 23 or the printer.

A more complete description of the use of an uplink-type DIAD isdisclosed in commonly owned U.S. Pat. No. 6,285,916 which isincorporated herein by reference. For instance, FIG. 1 of U.S. Pat. No.6,285,916 illustrates such an uplink system including a DIAD (35 of U.S.Pat. No. 6,285,916) connected via an optical interface (37, 38 of U.S.Pat. No. 6,285,916) to a PDA (12 of U.S. Pat. No. 6,285,916). A mailroom PC (40 of U.S. Pat. No. 6,285,916) is connected via an infraredport (23, 42 of U.S. Pat. No. 6,285,916) to the PDA. In this manner, theDIAD can communicate its tracking information directly to the PDA andthe PDA communicates the information, in turn, to the mail room PC.

Regardless of how the delivery information has passed to the secondcarrier, the second carrier then delivers the packages received from thefirst carrier in a normal manner along with other mail or packages. Thesecond carrier driver scans the delivery confirmation bar code 35 upondelivery to the recipient, and this tracking information is loaded intothe second carrier computer system 23, typically within a few hours. Forthe deliveries by the second carrier, all of the rules for packagerelease of the first carrier are applied. For instance, if the firstcarrier normally makes only a single delivery attempt, then the secondcarrier does likewise. Undeliverable packages are then preferablyreturned to the shipper after a predetermined (e.g., five day) waitingperiod. In this manner, shipment by the first or second carrier isrelatively transparent to the recipient 12.

The verification system 43 subsequently obtains the deliveryconfirmation information from the second carrier computer system 23, thetracking information from the tracking system 40 and the PLD from therepository system 39 and generates a manifest which is sent to thesecond carrier system 23. By comparing the information received fromthese sources, the first carrier can provide an auditable manifest ofthe day's package shipments to the second carrier computer system 23.For U.S. deliveries, preferably the manifest is sent to the secondcarrier by 10:00 pm Pacific Time. Upon successful auditing, theconsolidated manifest is used by the second carrier to create the billwhich is sent to the first carrier describing the exact number ofparcels delivered by the carrier. Creation of the auditable manifestinspires the confidence needed by the second carrier to receive and shiplarge volumes of packages of varying weight, dimension, destination,etc. while foregoing prepayment but still being assured of propercompensation.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, the shipping system 10 furtherincludes immediately storing the PLD in the PLD repository system 39,allowing the first carrier to provide advanced shipment notification tothe second carrier via electronic mail of the preliminary manifest(e8125). The PLD information contains a unique shipper number associatedwith each transfer location 17, such as each USPS DDU. Advanced shipmentnotification gives the destination delivery unit 17 advance notice ofthe number of packages to expect in a few days for delivery. While thepackages are being sorted and delivered by the first carrier, theverification system 43 uses the EDI format to pull data from the PLDrepository 39 and builds and sends the electronic manifest (e8125) tothe destination delivery unit 17.

As noted above, when the combined carrier delivery packages reach thedestination delivery unit 17, the second carrier personnel confirm thatthe shipment matches the preliminary manifest, sign the DIAD 42. Thedata is sent immediately to the tracking system 40. The verificationsystem 43 obtains the data from the tracking system 40 and compares itto the PLD data already in memory. As shown in FIG. 4, the secondcarrier delivery confirmation data, which subsequently is obtained fromthe second carrier delivery driver 18 via the second carrier computersystem 23, provides a third source of information for constructing afinal electronic manifest.

The PLD information contains both tracking numbers which allows thefirst carrier tracking number-referenced information from the trackingsystem 40 to be matched with the second carrier trackingnumber-referenced information from the second carrier deliveryconfirmation. Using these three sources of data, the verification system43 builds a consolidated electronic manifest (e8125) of the day'spackages and sends it to the second carrier computer system 23 forauditing. The manifest may be sorted or arranged as specified by thesecond carrier to facilitate auditing and billing. For instance, themanifest could be sorted by destination delivery unit 17 zip code,allowing the second carrier to view all packages handled at each DDU forthe day.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5, additional steps may be takenby the second carrier (as facilitated by the combined shipping system10) to ensure accurate auditing and billing. As in the embodiment above,the electronic manifest is built and sent to the destination deliveryunit 17 which compares it to the packages received from the firstcarrier. The confirmed manifest can then be faxed to the managers of thesecond carrier computer system 23 for entry therein and reconciliationwith the tracking and billing information.

FIG. 7 illustrates a flow of tracking information in isolation from thephysical flow of the package for additional clarity. The initiallysubmitted PLD information is sent from the shipper computer 20 to thePLD repository system 39. Each of the DIADs 42, in particular one DIADat the DDU 17 and another at the first carrier delivery facility (truck)42 communicate first carrier tracking information to the tracking system40. The delivery confirmation scans of the second carrier aretransmitted to the second carrier computer system 23.

The verification system 43 periodically pulls the PLD information fromthe PLD repository system 39 and the tracking information from thetracking repository each preferably using the EDI 213 standard. Deliveryconfirmation is sent by (or pulled from) the second carrier computersystem 23 to the verification system 43. The first carrier trackingnumber of the original PLD information is matched to the DIAD trackinginformation and the second carrier delivery confirmation (via the secondcarrier confirmation tracking number) by the verification system 43. Theconsolidated tracking information is then uploaded to the shippercomputer 20 and may also be made available to the recipient 12. Inanother alternative shown in FIG. 9, the recipient (i.e., the consignee)is informed of the tracking information, including the tracking numberand delivery confirmation, with an electronic mail message.

In addition to controlling the flow of tracking information and thephysical delivery of packages, the above-described combined carriershipping system 10 may have additional, or alternative, aspects thatallow or facilitate the flow of funds for delivery services. Forinstance, a billing aspect of another embodiment of the combined carriershipping system 10 of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 10.The flow of billing information is indicated in FIG. 10 by a long-dashline, the flow of funds is indicated by a short-dash line and themovement of various invoices is indicated by the heavy black solid line.

A first carrier billing system 225 is preferably a computer systemconfigured to calculate the cost involved with each shipment based oninformation collected from the other systems. A portion of the cost thatincludes shipment by the line haul carrier 13 from the shipper 11 to thesort facility 14 is calculated using mileage. Similarly, delivery coststo the DDU 17 of packages determined by the shipper computer 20 torequire delivery to rural zip codes (or some other less efficientlocation) are also calculated. Further, costs are assessed for deliveryby the second carrier from the DDU 17 to the recipient 12, whennecessary.

The first carrier billing computer system 225 is connected incommunication with the PLD repository system 39 from which it obtainsbilling information, including an indication of whether shippingrequires just the first carrier, or a combination of carriers.Preferably, this indication is from use of a specific flag placed by theshipper 11 or the presence of a tracking number for the second carrierin the PLD information. This indication allows a determination by thebilling system 225 of whether to include charges from the line haulcarrier 13, the second carrier, or both.

The first carrier billing system 225 is also connected to the trackingsystem 40 from which it obtains tracking information on the progress ofphysical package delivery. Such information is used to determine thedistance, and other indicators of the amount of effort involved indelivery such as the number of stops and sorts, that are factors incalculating the delivery charges. Similar to previously illustratedembodiments, the tracking system 40 is connected in communication withone or more DIADs 42 from which it obtains the information on packagespassing through locations along the delivery route.

Billing by the second carrier is implemented by a portion the secondcarrier computer system 23 which is connected in communication with theverification system 43 and is configured to receive the daily manifesttherefrom. Also connected in communication with the second carriercomputer system 23 is an escrow account 229 (set up at initiation of thesystem 10) from which the second carrier can withdraw funds for paymentof the fees associated with each daily manifest. In this manner, thesecond carrier always has immediate access to funds once it has receivedand completed auditing of the daily manifest.

An integrated, or separate, component of the first carrier billingsystem 225 may include a single bill generator 230. The single billgenerator is configured to compile the charges calculated by the rest ofthe billing system 225 into individual bills that are easily handled andpaid by the shipper 11. The bill generator 230 may also be configured toadd additional surcharges to the bill required by the various carriers.

During operation the shipper 11 records shipments on its computer system20 from which the PLD information is uploaded to the PLD repositorysystem 39. Physical delivery of the packages commences and the trackingsystem 40 tracks the progress of the packages using the DIADs 42 untileither final delivery by the first carrier in the case of conventionalpackages labeled by the shipper system 20, or delivery to the DDU 17 ofthe second carrier for transfer.

At the end of each day, the daily manifest is constructed (such asdescribed in detail in the embodiments above) and communicated to thesecond carrier computer system 23. Upon receiving the manifest, thesecond carrier conducts the various audit and quality control proceduresdescribed above and below and then debits the escrow account 229. Fundsare transferred, preferably electronically, from the escrow account tothe carrier computer system 23. Alternatively, some or all of the auditand quality control procedures may be conducted after the debittransaction and any necessary corrections refunded or further debited tothe escrow account 229.

Either during, or at the end of, the same day, the first carrier billingsystem 225 obtains PLD information and tracking information from the PLDrepository and verification systems 39, 40. The PLD and trackinginformation determines the individual charges to be levied by the firstcarrier, second carrier, and line haul carrier, respectively. Thesecharges are packaged in an invoice, along with any other surcharges, bythe single bill generator 230 and the invoice is then submitted to theshipper 11.

Payment by the shipper 11, preferably electronically by the shippercomputer system 20, is transmitted to the first carrier billing system225. The first carrier billing system deducts the charges for the firstcarrier's services (which may also include charges required by theline-haul carrier 13) and forwards the remaining amount, preferablyelectronically, to the escrow account 229. Advantageously, the escrowaccount is available for debit by the second carrier at any time,further bolstering the second carrier's confidence that compensation isbeing received for its delivery services.

Billing may be further facilitated by several options for qualitycontrol (“QC”) wherein the accuracy of the tracking, PLD and otherinformation is confirmed via several audit cycles, as shown in FIG. 11.As shown by a first quality control step 250, the PLD repository system39 can be monitored for missing transmissions. For instance, follow-uptelephone calls or electronic communications (such as an electronicmanifest) may be made to the shipper 11 to confirm that all shipmentshave been received that were sent by the shipper. Such electroniccommunications would relate the information recorded by the PLDrepository system 39 for a day to the shipper 11. The shipper would thencompare the records made by the shipper computer 20, or recorded onpaper, to those made by the PLD repository system 39. Shipments thatfailed to be transmitted to the PLD repository system 39 could beretransmitted.

Another quality control step 260 may be implemented using theverification system 43. In step 260 delivery confirmations recorded bythe system 43 via communication with the tracking system 40 in the caseof conventionally delivered packages entirely via the first carrier, orwith the second carrier computer system 23 in the case of combineddelivery, are compared with the billing statements sent by the firstcarrier billing system 225. Discrepancies are communicated to thebilling system 225 for adjustment of the bill, e.g., by adding missedpackages.

Yet another quality control step 270 is conducted at the operatingcenter 15 by the first carrier. Periodic size and weight checks areconducted at the operating center either manually 271, or automatically272, or both. The automated facilities are configured to audit packageson a daily basis. An amount of revenue that should be associated withthe package size and weight determined by the audit is calculated 273,such as by the first carrier billing system 225. The difference in theinitial calculation is compared to the audit calculation and billingadjustments are made 274 and applied to the final invoice or bill 275before it is communicated to the shipper 11 for remuneration.

In addition to the quality control steps performed by the first carrier,the various audits by the second carrier may also be regarded asadditional quality control steps. As described above, the second carrierhas an opportunity to compare the packages listed on the electronicmanifest (or the capture and printout of the DIAD 42 information) withthe packages as they are received at the DDU 17. Discrepancies betweenthe manifest and the actual packages received could be reported to thebilling system 225 for adjustment of the bill. Billing could also beadjusted by the second carrier merely adding or subtracting funds fromthe escrow account 229. A connection between the second carrier system23 wherein the facsimile of the confirmed manifest shown in FIG. 5 canbe used to detect anomalies which are reported to the billing system 225for adjustment. The net effect of the multiples quality control cyclesand audits is that they allow the second carrier to be confident ofaccurate compensation for its part in the combined package deliveries.In turn, the second carrier can pass on savings from its efficiency inthe rural areas to the first carrier.

A return aspect of the shipping system 10 of the present invention isillustrated schematically by FIG. 12. Packages delivered under theshipping system 10 are delivered using predetermined customerrelationship rules. These rules include rules about delivery times,number of attempts at delivery, duration before return, etc., thatgovern how returns are handled. For example, the rules may requiredelivery within 24 hours after the DIAD scan at the DDU, only a singleattempt at delivery and if no recipient 12 is present for delivery, areturn to the shipper 11 of the package after a 5 day period.

Referring again to FIG. 12, packages are delivered using theaforementioned exemplary customer relationship rules. If the recipient12 is not present, the package is returned to the local first carrieroperating center 15 by the first carrier delivery truck 16. The returnedpackage is held for five days in a “will call” cage at the localoperating center, making the package available for call and pickup bythe recipient 12.

If the package is not picked up after five days, a return to senderprocess is commenced wherein the package is returned to the shipper 11.At the shipper's location, a DIAD 42 is used to record the shipper'sacknowledgement of receipt of the returned package. The information fromthe DIAD is recorded by the tracking system 40 and is accessed by theverification system 43 for matching with the PLD information from thePLD repository system 39. The first carrier billing system 225 thencalculates the original cost of shipping and adds an additional cost forthe return services based on the PLD information obtained from theverification system 43. Typically, return services will have a cost thatis about the same as the outbound shipment.

An embodiment of the first carrier computer system 22 of the presentinvention is shown schematically in FIG. 6. The first carrier computersystem includes a processor 100 that communicates with other elementswithin the computer system 22 via a system interface or bus 101. Alsoincluded in the first carrier computer system 22 are display and inputdevices, including the DIADs 102 used for tracking and various terminals103 for receiving and displaying data within the system. The firstcarrier computer system 22 further includes memory 104, which preferablyincludes both read only memory (ROM) 105 and random access memory (RAM)106. The ROM 105 is used to store a basic input/output system (BIOS) 107containing the basic routines that help to transfer information betweenelements within the first carrier computer system 22.

In addition, the first carrier computer system 22 includes at least onestorage device 108, such as a hard disk drive, a floppy disk drive, aCD-ROM drive, or optical disk drive, for storing information on variouscomputer-readable media, such as a hard disk, a removable magnetic disk,or a CD-ROM disk. As will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in theart, each of these storage devices 108 is connected to the system bus byan appropriate interface. The storage devices 108 and their associatedcomputer-readable media provide non-volatile storage for the firstcarrier computer system 22. It is important to note that thecomputer-readable media described above could be replaced by any othertype of computer-readable media known in the art. Such media include,for example, magnetic cassettes, flash memory cards, digital videodisks, and Bernoulli cartridges.

A number of program modules may be stored by the various storagedevices, such as within RAM 106 (as shown in FIG. 6) or within thestorage device 108 (as not shown for clarity). Such program modulesinclude an operating system 109, a PLD module 110, a verification module111 and a tracking module 112. As described both above and below, thePLD module is configured to record and store PLD information from theshipper computer system 20 and may also be configured to generatereports of the packages, along with their PLD information, en route tothe destination delivery unit 17. The verification module 111 isconfigured to generate the billing manifests using the PLD information,tracking information and the confirmation information received from thesecond carrier. Also located within the first carrier computer system22, is a system interface 113 for interfacing and communicating withother elements of the overall shipping system 10, such as the shippercomputer system 20 and the second carrier computer system 23.

It will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art that one ormore of the components of the computer systems described herein may belocated geographically remotely from other components. Furthermore, oneor more of the components may be combined, and additional componentsperforming the functions described herein may be included in the firstcarrier computer system.

Figures in the present application are block diagrams, flowcharts andcontrol flow illustrations of methods, systems and program productsaccording to the invention. It will be understood that each block orstep of the block diagram, flowchart and control flow illustration, andcombinations of blocks in the block diagram, flowchart and control flowillustration, can be implemented by computer program instructions. Thesecomputer program instructions may be loaded onto a computer or otherprogrammable apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructionswhich execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus createmeans for implementing the functions specified in the block diagram,flowchart or control flow block(s) or step(s).

These computer program instructions may also be stored in acomputer-readable memory that can direct a computer or otherprogrammable apparatus to function in a particular manner, such that theinstructions stored in the computer-readable memory produce an articleof manufacture including instruction means which implement the functionspecified in the block diagram, flowchart or control flow block(s) orstep(s). The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto acomputer or other programmable apparatus to cause a series ofoperational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmableapparatus to produce a computer implemented process such that theinstructions which execute on the computer or other programmableapparatus provide steps for implementing the functions specified in theblock diagram, flowchart or control flow block(s) or step(s).

Accordingly, blocks or steps of the block diagram, flowchart or controlflow illustration support combinations of means for performing thespecified functions, combinations of steps for performing the specifiedfunctions and program instruction means for performing the specifiedfunctions. It will also be understood that each block or step of theblock diagram, flowchart or control flow illustration, and combinationsof blocks or steps in the block diagram, flowchart or control flowillustration, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-basedcomputer systems which perform the specified functions or steps, orcombinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forthherein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which theseinventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in theforegoing descriptions and the associated drawings. For instance, thedestination delivery unit 17 could be any formal or informal, transferlocation at which the second carrier is willing to take over delivery ofa package to its final destination. Therefore, it is to be understoodthat the inventions are not to be limited to the specific embodimentsdisclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended tobe included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specificterms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptivesense only and not for purposes of limitation.

That which is claimed:
 1. A shipping information system for facilitatingdelivery of a package by a plurality of carriers, said shippinginformation system comprising: a shipper information system configuredto: receive an indication that delivery of the package will comprisetransportation provided by the plurality of carriers, said indicationbeing determined based at least in part upon the package beingclassified as having a weight below a defined threshold; record packageinformation, including a consignee address associated with the package;identify an intermediate location, wherein a first carrier of theplurality of carriers will transfer the package to a second carrier ofthe plurality of carriers for further transport of the package by thesecond carrier, the intermediate location being identified based atleast in part on the consignee address; and generate, prior toinitiating transportation of the package by the plurality of carriers, acombined shipping label, the combined shipping label comprising at leasta portion of the package information, a first carrier tracking symbol,and a second carrier tracking symbol differing from said first carriertracking symbol, the first and second carrier tracking symbols eachconfigured to provide tracking information for at least a portion of thedelivery, and wherein data associated with the first and the secondcarrier tracking symbols are further associated to generate consolidatedtracking information, said consolidated tracking information beingindependently accessible via either of the first and the second carriertracking symbols throughout the period when the package is beingtransported by the first carrier and when the package is beingtransported by the second carrier.
 2. The shipping information system ofclaim 1, further comprising a first carrier information systemcomprising: a package information system connected in communication withthe shipper information system and configured to obtain the packageinformation and first carrier tracking symbol therefrom; a trackingsystem connected in communication with a first carrier scanning devicepositioned at least at the intermediate location, said tracking systemconfigured to determine when the scanning device has scanned the firstcarrier tracking symbol of the package at the intermediate location; anda verification system connected in communication with the packageinformation system and the tracking system, said verification systemconfigured to obtain package information and tracking information fromthe respective systems and to use the first carrier tracking symbol tocombine the package information and tracking information into a billingmanifest for submission to the second carrier.
 3. The shippinginformation system of claim 2, wherein the package information system isalso configured to obtain the second carrier tracking symbol from theshipper information system; and wherein said tracking system isconnected in communication with, and configured to receive deliveryconfirmation information from a second carrier scanning devicepositioned at the consignee location, said delivery confirmationinformation corresponding to scanning of the second carrier trackingsymbol of the package at the consignee location by the second carrierscanning device.
 4. The shipping information system of claim 3, whereinsaid verification system is further configured to correlate the deliveryconfirmation information with the package information and trackinginformation using the second carrier tracking symbol and combine thedelivery confirmation information with the package information andtracking information in the billing manifest.
 5. The shippinginformation system of claim 3, further comprising a second carriercomputer system connected in communication with, and configured toobtain the billing manifest from the verification system, said secondcarrier computer system being configured to display the billing manifestfor audit by the second carrier.
 6. The shipping information system ofclaim 3, further comprising a quality control system connected incommunication with the verification system and the tracking system, saidquality control system configured to compare the delivery confirmationinformation with the billing manifest to ensure that the package listedon the billing manifest has been delivered.
 7. The shipping informationsystem of claim 3, further comprising a quality control system connectedin communication with the package information system and the shipperinformation system, said quality control system configured toperiodically compile package information associated with the package andreceived by the package information system, said quality control systemfurther configured to send the compiled package information to theshipper information system for comparison to package informationrecorded by the shipper information system.
 8. The shipping informationsystem of claim 3, further comprising a quality control systemconfigured to record package sizes and weights as part of the packageinformation and further configured to record subsequent measurements ofpackage sizes and weights and compare the subsequently measured sizesand weights to the sizes and weights of the package information.
 9. Theshipping information system of claim 1, wherein the consignee addressincludes a zip code and wherein the shipper information system isconfigured to compare the zip code to a list of zip codes within thestored delivery area of the first carrier.
 10. The shipping informationsystem of claim 1, wherein the intermediate location is a local postoffice and the second carrier is governmental postal service.
 11. Theshipping information system of claim 1, wherein the shipper informationsystem is further configured to associate the first and the secondcarrier tracking symbols with each other prior to initiatingtransportation of the package by the plurality of carriers.
 12. Theshipping information system of claim 1, wherein the shipping informationsystem is further configured to determine whether the package for whichdelivery is facilitated qualifies for a combined shipment by theplurality of carriers, the determination comprising a confirmation thatthe package is designated for a low priority shipment service.
 13. Theshipping information system of claim 12, wherein the determinationfurther comprises a confirmation that the package is designated for adelivery destination in a rural area.
 14. A computer-implemented methodfor facilitating delivery of a package by a plurality of carriers, themethod comprising: receiving, by at least one computing devicecomprising at least one processor, an indication that delivery of thepackage will comprise transportation provided by the plurality ofcarriers, said indication being determined based at least in part uponthe package being classified as having a weight below a definedthreshold; recording, by the one or more processors, packageinformation, including a consignee address associated with the package;identifying, by the one or more processors an intermediate location atwhich to transfer the package from a first carrier of the plurality ofcarriers to a second carrier of the plurality of carriers for furthertransport of the package by the second carrier, the intermediatelocation being identified based at least in part on the consigneeaddress; and generating, prior to initiating transportation of thepackage by the plurality of carriers, by the one or more processors, acombined shipping label, the combined shipping label comprising at leasta portion of the package information, a first carrier tracking symbol,and a second carrier tracking symbol differing from said first carriertracking symbol, the first and second carrier tracking symbols eachconfigured to provide tracking information for at least a portion of thedelivery, and wherein data associated with the first and the secondcarrier tracking symbols are further associated to generate consolidatedtracking information, said consolidated tracking information beingindependently accessible via either of the first and the second carriertracking symbols throughout the period when the first and when thesecond carriers are transporting the package.
 15. Thecomputer-implemented method of claim 14, further comprising: receiving,by the one or more processors, an indication that a first carrierscanning device has scanned the first carrier tracking symbol of thepackage at the intermediate location; recording, by the one or moreprocessors, the indication as tracking information; and generating, bythe one or more processors, a billing manifest for submission to thesecond carrier, the billing manifest being generated at least in part byusing the first carrier tracking symbol to combine the packageinformation and the tracking information.
 16. The computer-implementedmethod of claim 15, further comprising: receiving, by the one or moreprocessors, delivery confirmation information from a second carrierscanning device, the delivery confirmation information comprising anindication that the second carrier tracking symbol of the package hasbeen scanned at the consignee location; and modifying, by the one ormore processors, the billing manifest to combine the deliveryconfirmation information with the package information and the trackinginformation.
 17. The computer implemented method of claim 14, furthercomprising: receiving, by the one or more processors, a first indicationthat a first scanning device has scanned the first carrier trackingsymbol of the package at the intermediate location; recording, by theone or more processors, the first indication as tracking information;generating, by the one or more processors, a billing manifest forsubmission to the second carrier, the billing manifest being generatedat least in part by using the first carrier tracking symbol to combinethe package information and the tracking information; receiving, by theone or more processors, a second indication that a second scanningdevice has scanned the second carrier tracking symbol of the package ata shipper location due to the package being returned; and modifying, bythe one or more processors, the billing manifest to combine the secondindication with the package information and the tracking information.18. The computer-implemented method of claim 14, further comprisingassociating, by the one or more processors, the first and the secondcarrier tracking symbols with each other prior to initiatingtransportation of the package by the plurality of carriers.
 19. Thecomputer-implemented method of claim 14, further comprising the step ofdetermining whether the package for which delivery is facilitatedqualifies for a combined shipment by the plurality of carriers, thedetermination comprising a confirmation that the package is designatedfor a low priority shipment service.
 20. The computer-implemented methodof claim 19, wherein the determination further comprises a confirmationthat the package is designated for a delivery destination in a ruralarea.
 21. A shipping information system for facilitating shipping of oneor more packages by a first and a second carrier, said shippinginformation system comprising: a package information system configuredto communicate with a shipper and to receive package information, afirst carrier tracking symbol, and a second carrier tracking symboldiffering from said first carrier tracking symbol from a combinedshipping label generated prior to initiating shipping of the packages bythe first and second carriers, said package information comprising anindication that delivery of the package will comprise transportationprovided by the plurality of carriers, said indication being determinedbased at least in part upon the package being classified as having aweight below a defined threshold; a tracking system connected incommunication with a first carrier scanning device positioned at leastat an intermediate location, said tracking system configured todetermine whether the scanning device has scanned the first and thesecond carrier tracking symbols of the package at the intermediatelocation, said scanning of the first and the second carrier trackingsymbols indicating release of the package to the second carrier, saidscanning further configured to generate data associated with the firstand the second carrier tracking symbols, said data being furtherassociated to generate consolidated tracking information, saidconsolidated tracking information being independently accessible viaeither of the first and the second carrier tracking symbols throughoutthe transport of the package; and a verification system connected incommunication with the package information system and the trackingsystem, said verification system configured to obtain packageinformation and tracking information from the respective systems and touse the first carrier tracking symbol to combine the package informationand tracking information into a billing manifest for submission to thesecond carrier.
 22. The shipping information system of claim 21, whereinthe package information system is also configured to obtain a secondcarrier tracking symbol from the shipper; and wherein said trackingsystem is connected in communication with, and configured to receivedelivery confirmation information from, a second carrier scanning devicepositioned at the consignee location, said delivery confirmationinformation corresponding to scanning of the second carrier trackingsymbol of the package at the consignee location by the second carrierscanning device.
 23. The shipping information system of claim 22,wherein said verification system is further configured to correlate thedelivery confirmation information with the package information andtracking information using the second carrier tracking symbol andcombine the delivery confirmation information with the packageinformation and tracking information in the billing manifest.
 24. Theshipping information system of claim 22, further comprising a secondcarrier computer system connected in communication with, and configuredto obtain the billing manifest from, the verification system, saidsecond carrier computer system being configured to display the billingmanifest for audit by the second carrier.
 25. The shipping informationsystem of claim 22, further comprising a quality control systemconnected in communication with the verification system and the trackingsystem, said quality control system configured to compare the deliveryconfirmation information with the billing manifest to ensure that thepackage listed on the billing manifest has been delivered.
 26. Theshipping information system of claim 22, further comprising a qualitycontrol system connected in communication with the package informationsystem and the shipper information system, said quality control systemconfigured to periodically compile package information associated withthe package and received by the package information system, and furtherconfigured to send the compiled package information to the shipperinformation system for comparison to package information recorded by theshipper information system.
 27. The shipping information system of claim22, further comprising a quality control system configured to recordpackage sizes and weights as part of the package information and furtherconfigured to record subsequent measurements of package sizes andweights and compare the subsequently measured sizes and weights to thesizes and weights of the package information.
 28. A carrier informationsystem for facilitating shipping of one or more packages by first andsecond carriers, said carrier information system comprising: a packageinformation system configured to communicate with a shipper and toreceive package information, a first carrier tracking symbol, and asecond carrier tracking symbol differing from said first carriertracking symbol from a combined shipping label generated prior toinitiating shipping of the packages by the first and second carriers,said package information comprising an indication that delivery of thepackage will comprise transportation provided by the plurality ofcarriers, said indication being determined based at least in part uponthe package being classified as having a weight below a definedthreshold; a tracking system connected in communication with at least afirst scanning device positioned at an intermediate location and asecond scanning device positioned at a shipper location, said trackingsystem configured to determine when the first scanning device hasscanned the first carrier tracking symbol of the package at theintermediate location prior to release to the second carrier, saidtracking system also configured to determine whether the second scanningdevice has scanned at least one of the first carrier tracking symbol andthe second carrier tracking symbol of the package at the shipperlocation as the package is being returned, said scanning of the firstand the second carrier tracking symbols configured to generate dataassociated with the first and the second carrier tracking symbols, saiddata being further associated to generate consolidated trackinginformation, said consolidated tracking information being independentlyaccessible via either of the first and the second carrier trackingsymbols throughout the transport of the package; and a verificationsystem connected in communication with the package information systemand the tracking system, said verification system configured to obtainpackage information and said consolidated tracking information from therespective systems and to use the first carrier tracking symbol tocombine the package information and tracking information into an initialbilling manifest, said verification system also configured to latermodify the billing manifest upon receipt of tracking informationindicating scanning of the package at the shipper location by the secondscanning device due to return of the package to the shipper location.29. The carrier information system of claim 28, wherein the verificationsystem is configured to modify the billing manifest by adding a returnedpackage charge.
 30. The carrier information system of claim 28, whereinthe package information system is further configured to determinewhether the package for which delivery is facilitated qualifies for acombined shipment by the first and second carriers, the determinationcomprising a confirmation that the package is designated for a lowpriority shipment service.
 31. The carrier information system of claim30, wherein the determination further comprises a confirmation that thepackage is designated for a delivery destination in a rural area.
 32. Ashipping information system for facilitating delivery of a package by aplurality of carriers, said shipping information system comprising: ashipper information system configured to: receive an indication thatdelivery of the package will comprise transportation provided by theplurality of carriers, said indication being determined based at leastin part upon the package being classified as having a weight below adefined threshold; record package information, including a consigneeaddress associated with the package; identify an intermediate location,wherein a first carrier of the plurality of carriers will transfer thepackage to a second carrier of the plurality of carriers for furthertransport of the package by the second carrier, the intermediatelocation being identified based at least in part on the consigneeaddress; and generate, prior to initiating transportation of the packageby the plurality of carriers, a combined shipping label, the combinedshipping label comprising at least a portion of the package information,a first carrier tracking symbol, and a second carrier tracking symboldiffering from said first carrier tracking symbol, the first and secondcarrier tracking symbols each configured to provide tracking informationfor at least a portion of the delivery, and wherein data associated withthe first and the second carrier tracking symbols are further associatedto generate consolidated tracking information, said consolidatedtracking information being independently accessible via either of thefirst and the second carrier tracking symbols throughout the period whenthe first and when the second carriers are transporting the package; anda first carrier information system comprising: a package informationsystem connected in communication with the shipper information systemand configured to obtain the package information, the first carriertracking symbol and the second carrier tracking symbol from the shipperinformation system; a tracking system connected in communication with afirst scanning device positioned at the intermediate location and asecond scanning device positioned at a shipper location, said trackingsystem configured to determine when the first scanning device hasscanned the first carrier tracking symbol of the package at theintermediate location and also configured to determine when the secondscanning device has scanned at least one of the tracking symbols of thepackage at the shipper location as the package is being returned; and averification system connected in communication with the packageinformation system and the tracking system, said verification systemconfigured to obtain package information and tracking information fromthe respective systems and to use the first carrier tracking symbol tocombine the package information and tracking information into a billingmanifest, said verification system also configured to later modify thebilling manifest upon receipt of tracking information indicatingscanning of the package at the shipper location by the second scanningdevice due to return of the package to the shipper location.
 33. Theshipping information system of claim 32, wherein the verification systemis configured to modify the billing manifest by adding a returnedpackage charge.